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IN SHORT
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Every year, the tourism sector faces increasingly pressing challenges related to the phenomenon of overtourism. In 2025, several iconic places are warned by experts about their sustainability in the face of this influx. The travel guide identifies destinations to avoid to protect not only the environment but also the quality of life for locals. Among these places, icons like Bali, Barcelona, and Mount Everest top the list. This selection is based on in-depth analyses of the impacts of mass tourism and testimonials from experts in sustainable travel.
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Bali : The island of the gods in crisis #
Due to the enormous tourist influx it is experiencing, Bali is at the top of the list of destinations to avoid. In 2023, the island welcomed over 5 million visitors, a number that continues to rise. The consequences of this overcrowding are alarming. According to Kristin Winkaffe, a sustainable travel specialist, overtourism is profoundly disrupting the Balinese way of life. Water management, crucial for local agriculture, is compromised by the diversion of resources to tourist areas. Beaches, such as Kuta, also suffer, often being littered with waste left by visitors.
Tensions in Europe: Barcelona and beyond #
The situation is no better in Europe. Barcelona, a popular destination, sees its residents expressing their dissatisfaction with the massive presence of tourists. These tensions have led to protests, highlighting a growing rejection of mass tourism by locals. Cities like Majorca and the Canary Islands are experiencing similar situations, where residents are beginning to say “no” to this unsustainable influx. Venice, also known for its romantic canals, has had its share of protests, pointing to a tourism strategy that seems more harmful than beneficial for the city.
Lisbon: A viability challenge #
Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, is suffering from an extreme transformation of its urban landscape. According to the travel guide, more than 60% of the city’s housing is now devoted to vacation rentals, fueling the rise in real estate prices and contributing to a housing shortage for locals. The city has lost about 30% of its population since 2013, a figure that reflects a growing distress caused by overtourism.
The environmental challenges of Mount Everest #
The Mount Everest is not escaping this issue. With about 58,000 visitors each year, the site is literally overwhelmed by waste. Small shops and hotels have flourished at high altitudes, but this comes at a cost. It is estimated that there are nearly 30 tons of waste, along with a massive amount of human feces on the slopes, posing an immense challenge for the preservation of this iconic natural space.
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Koh Samui: An island in danger of saturation #
Finally, Koh Samui in Thailand is also flagged as a destination to avoid. The airing of the series The White Lotus, which was filmed on the island, could exacerbate the situation by attracting even more visitors. Local authorities, like Dr. Wijarn Simachaya, highlight the waste management difficulties, where between 180 and 200 tons are generated daily. If no viable solution is implemented, the future of this destination is at risk.
